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Restorative Dentistry

Inlays and Onlays in Vancouver

Restore damaged teeth with precision-crafted inlays and onlays. These custom restorations provide superior strength while preserving your natural tooth structure.

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Where we offer this

Available at all four Smile Well Dental clinics.

North VancouverVisit our North Vancouver clinicSurreyVisit our Surrey clinicLangleyVisit our Langley clinicCoquitlamVisit our Coquitlam clinic

What are Inlays and Onlays?

Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage. They're sometimes called 'indirect fillings' because they're fabricated in a dental lab and then bonded to your tooth. Inlays fit within the tooth's cusps, while onlays cover one or more cusps. Both provide excellent durability and a natural appearance.

What are Inlays and Onlays?

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays in Vancouver

Preserve Tooth Structure

Remove less healthy tooth compared to crowns while restoring function.

Superior Durability

Stronger and longer-lasting than traditional fillings.

Perfect Fit

Custom-crafted in a lab for precise fit and optimal function.

Natural Aesthetics

Tooth-colored materials blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth.

Inlay/Onlay Treatment Process

01

Preparation

The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is removed and the tooth is shaped to receive the restoration.

02

Impressions

Detailed impressions are taken and sent to our dental lab for custom fabrication.

03

Temporary Restoration

A temporary restoration protects your tooth while your inlay or onlay is being made.

04

Final Placement

The custom restoration is bonded to your tooth and adjusted for a perfect bite.

More Restorative Dentistry

Other Restorative Dentistry Services

Dental FillingDental Crowns (Caps)DenturesDental Bridge
View all Restorative Dentistry services

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Other Dental Services

General DentistryCosmetic DentistryOrthodonticsDental Implants

Frequently Asked Questions

An inlay fits within the cusps (bumps) on the chewing surface of a tooth, filling the space between them. An onlay extends over one or more cusps, providing additional coverage. Both are larger than traditional fillings but more conservative than full crowns.

We typically use porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin for a natural appearance. Porcelain and ceramic options are extremely durable and resist staining. All materials can be precisely color-matched to your natural teeth for seamless results.

With proper care, inlays and onlays can last 10-30 years, significantly longer than traditional fillings. Porcelain and ceramic options typically last the longest. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene maximize their longevity.

Inlays and onlays are ideal when decay or damage is too extensive for a filling but a full crown isn't necessary. They preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns (which require more removal) while providing superior strength and durability compared to fillings.

The cost of an inlay or onlay depends on the material and the size of the restoration. Ask us for a quote: we give you an estimate before treatment. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost when medically necessary, and we bill most plans directly.

Traditional inlays and onlays require two appointments: the first for tooth preparation and impressions, and the second for placement about 2 weeks later. You'll wear a temporary restoration between visits to protect your tooth.

The tooth is numbed with local anesthesia first, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during treatment. Some patients experience mild sensitivity afterward, which typically resolves within a few days.

Smile Well Dental offers custom inlays and onlays at all four Greater Vancouver locations: North Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, and Coquitlam. Our dentists use high-quality materials for precise, long-lasting restorations.

Restore Your Tooth with Precision

Discover if an inlay or onlay is right for your damaged tooth. Schedule a consultation today.

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